Conducting investigative interviews of alleged sexual abuse victims

Abstract

Objectives: There were two aims: First, to describe the factors that influence children’s competence and second, to discuss ways in which investigative interviewers can maximize the quality and quantity of information they obtain from alleged witnesses and victims. Method: No new research is described in this paper. Rather, the authors provide a focused review of the relevant literature designed to be maximally useful for practitioners. Conclusions: Children are often the only available sources of information about possible abusive experiences. Research has shown that children can, in fact, be remarkably competent informants, although the quality and quantity of the information they provide is greatly influenced by the ways in which they are interviewed. This article describes ways in which investigative interviewers can maximize the amount and quality of information they elicit from alleged victims.